The Washington Wizards shooting guard scored a career-high 37 in his first game at FedExForum.

Beal’s point total was more than twice his season average (17), but the Grizzlies took home a 92-89 win.

“It’s terrible that you waste a game like that from him,” Wizards coach Randy Wittman told the Washington Post.

Beal, whose grandparents were in attendance, also set a season high with 63 percent of his shot attempts made.

“I love this city. I got a lot family here. It was my first time playing here, so it was definitely fun,” Beal told The Post. “My minutes went up to 36, but if you take me out of this game, I would probably be mad at you forever. I seen the first couple go in and it was a wrap from there. I just knew my confidence was high.”

About This Blog

If Zach Abolverdi had a dollar for every time his last name was mispronounced … you just made him richer. Born in Orlando but raised in Gainesville since 1990, he grew up around Florida football during the Steve Spurrier era. He once threw a perfect spiral under Spurrier’s watchful eye at his summer camp. The Head Ball Coach told him, “That’s a nice throw for a little man, but hold that ball by your ear.” The 8-year-old gunslinger replied, “I already know how to throw a football.” He didn’t appreciate the little man comment either. Zach is a Hearst Award winner and graduate of the University of Florida. He enjoys spending time with family, Denzel Washington movies and only about a dozen music artists, most of whom go by their real name. College football, the NFL, March Madness and LeBron James provide his sports fix.